Kate Edmunds, director of Bristol-based Eggnogg, explains why the business should win the innovation in funding category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition.
When I set up Eggnogg – which sells colour-in products, such as table cloths and pencil cases – I wanted to fund it using my own resources and without taking out a business loan. To achieve this, I took a slowly, slowly approach. I produced a small range of products to test the market with what my limited budget would allow.
To create funds, I rented my basement and sold oil paintings and greetings cards (from a previous business idea) at local fairs and on eBay. In addition, I illustrated the odd children’s book and magazine.
To keep overheads down, I initially did everything myself, design, accounts, picking and packing from my children’s bedroom, using the kitchen table as an office. Since then, the business has grown steadily and I’ve continue to fund it myself with a dedicated office and a great team in place.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
